Where did it all go so wrong?

The ANC's "selfless strugglemobile"

The opportunity was too good to miss. As I drove into the basement parking to drop off some dry cleaning earlier this week another rather more eye-catching car than mine entered the garage. I couldn't help noticing the number "100" prominently displayed on the side of the vehicle in ANC colours. Being a nosy sort of bloke I decided to take a closer look so, once the driver was safely out of the way, I went up to inspect the parked vehicle more thoroughly.

It was a Mercedes-Benz E500 convertible (with Free State plates) which sells for around R1m without any optional extras. On the side of the car were the words "ANC-Celebrating 100 Years Selfless Struggle" with the ANC logo liberally displayed on various other parts of the car. The rear bumper carried the same message. Obviously I had to photograph it and put the picture up on Twitter and Facebook just to gauge reader reaction. Not surprisingly it was much the same as mine had been which was sheer disbelief.

Now, with hindsight, I suppose it's possible that the DA had a whip round, bought a very expensive convertible, covered it with this 100 year congratulatory message and are driving it around the northern suburbs in the hope of discrediting the ANC ahead of the next election.  But that wouldn't explain the Free State plates and, besides, if you want to discredit the ANC you don't drive around the northern suburbs of Joburg where the party has long been discredited.

You drive through the townships in the hope that the people on the ground might see the irony of the driver of a R1m motorcar claiming to be a member of a party involved in a selfless struggle.  But that would also be a colossal waste of time and petrol because the people on the ground have had the wool pulled over their eyes for the past eighteen years and will still vote ANC simply because it was the party that liberated them back in 1994.

In a way you have to admire the brutal honesty of anyone who plasters his high performance car with ANC decals advertising 100 years of Selfless Struggle because it perfectly encapsulates what the post 1994 ANC are all about. Long gone are all the noble ideals of uplifting the downtrodden and poor and in their place is a hard edged get rich quick culture. But it's a rather limited get rich quick culture so if you're not on the loyal cadre list forget it.

It's a culture that embraces a whole range of evils, all designed to weaken democracy and keep the riff raff in their place. The most obvious is the dubious tender system which allows well connected members of the ruling party and their relatives to win lucrative government contracts to perform tasks they are clearly incapable of. Anybody who has attempted to drive on the road to Royal Natal National Park recently will understand exactly what I mean. 

It's been under construction for well over a year now so either the funding has dried up or, just as possibly, the company awarded the contract has never built a road before. It may even be (perish the thought) that part of the upfront contract payment was splurged on a Mercedes E500 convertible which didn't leave enough to pay the workers.

If you're not well connected enough to be awarded a tender you might be lucky enough to get a cushy job with a fancy title in one of the many boondoggles the ANC has set up over the years. If you're caught with your hand in the cookie jar don't despair because you will be suspended on full pay while the meandering legal process takes its course. That means you can stay at home for at least five years without having to worry about doing a stroke of work.

The problem with waste and corruption on the grand scale that we are experiencing it is that it cannot be sustained. Eventually the cupboard will be bare. I often compare what is happening in South Africa to the tins of Quality Street toffees and chocolates that used to be a Christmas treat in our household.

There were so many different coloured sweets that it was possible to pinch a couple, shake the tin, and nobody would be any the wiser. Then the sweet thieving got to a level where some of the tin began to show so it became necessary to push the remaining sweets up the side to hide the bare metal. Eventually it became obvious that persons unknown had been raiding the sweet tin which was the signal for everyone to swipe a sweet.

By that stage there was no need to cover up the crime because everybody was in on it. Our economic plundering has reached that stage. The feeling seems to be that if you don't get your share now then don't complain when there's nothing left. Since very few politicians appear to get prosecuted for corruption in this country it has become a popular way of making a fast buck with a very acceptable reward to risk ratio.

It also carries bragging rights which is why it's obviously not considered bad form to plaster the words "Selfless Struggle" on the side of an expensive car.

One wonders what Nelson Mandela, who celebrated his 94^th birthday yesterday, makes of all this. Does he look fondly on the leaders of his beloved ANC, believing that they represent the true ideals of the party he fought for?  Or does he, like so many others in this country, wonder how it could have all gone so wrong?

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter

Share this article

Tweet

Services

Subscribe to newsletters
News feeds

Comments

If you come across comments that are injurious, defamatory, profane, off-topic or inappropriate; contain personal attacks or racist, sexist, homophobic, or other slurs, please report them and they will be removed.

 

responses to this article

How do you know... That the decals are not a great way to prevent theft? Who would dare steal a car that apparently is an ANC car? Who would issue a speeding ticket? A parking ticket? People are just jealous they did not think of the idea first... by . on July 19 2012, 04:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Tenderitis The tender system is theoretically unexceptionable. The binding effect of sections 195 and 217 of the Constitution see to that. It is the abuse of and disregard for the system that has spawned tenderpreneurs and the terminal case of tenderitis from which . .more SA suffers. Until effective, efficient and independent corrupt busters like the Scorpions of old or the proposed Eagles Anti Corruption Commission (see www.ifaisa.org) are introduced to tackle the malaise, the abuse will continue until there are no more sweets in the tin. The proper implementation of the ruling in the Glenister case is the key to turning around the dis-ease. . .less by Paul Hoffman on July 19 2012, 05:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

At least... They may be driving a 1-bar car but, at least, they're not eating cake at gatherings anymore. Now THAT'S being selfless. Looks like they're saying 'f*ck you' to the 'no parking' marks too. by Bruce on July 19 2012, 05:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Where did it all go so wrong Would the owner of the vehicle kindly care to respond by furnishing us with the logic and rationale which reconciles the apparent anomaly/irony which this article highlights? A thought: Perhaps the owner received a substantial amount (from the . .more ANC??) as rental for the mobile advertising platform. As one would say in the historical vernacular, No skaam ek se! Even Hitler's Grosser W150 Merc was less resplendently emblazoned than this li'l dish. Sighhhhhhhhhh! The trappings of power. . .less by Basil Smith on July 19 2012, 06:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Understanding irony ...doesn't come easy to the 70 I*. by Muntuman on July 19 2012, 06:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Selfless Struggle Hey! This is so cool 'in your face", ANC one upmanship! Or is it some wag with a great sense of humour showing the bird to the ANC? Well done that man/woman. In the townships and to "the people on the ground" this will be sooooo . .more inspiring: 100 years of struggle and 18 years of independence gets you an E500 the ultimate symbol of the success in the struggle against economic oppression. . .less by VERITAS on July 19 2012, 06:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Selfish struggle It is really necessary for the ANC to put in the word "Selfless" in the motto "ANC-Celebrating 100 Years Selfless Struggle". If they did not put in the word, no-one would associate that word with them! Oh, come to think about it, the same . .more applies to "struggle". To my understanding "struggle" means a continued application of effort, sort of bulging muscles, sweat, diligent 8 hours of work per day, hard thought and concentration... Doesn't that come to mind when you think of the ANC, the terrorists of the past, MK, bombers pedestrians, church and pub-goers and those who organised the cannon-fodder school children of the burnt text books? No, not me either. No, the ANC and its cohorts are hard at work rewriting history to idolise themselves. And based on as little as the ancient Greek and Roman myths. The reality is that the core of the ANC, then and now, were selfish fame seekers, riding on the backs of suckers. And the heros are very few and do not bear up to any but the most cursory inspection. Most are clay from the eyebrows down! Viva entitlement and ANC! . .less by Dinks on July 19 2012, 07:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Quality sweets A beautiful analogy. All indulging in the sweetness and then shaking the tin so that no one will know you were also there. Sort of child psychology. Sad that you're left with an empty tin at the end of it all. Bitter ending and empty feeling! by Wizard on July 19 2012, 07:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

How do you know Nice one Dot, but if we assume that you're right, what does it say about a country (and it's government) where one has to camouflage ones vehicle as belonging to the thieving, corrupt cANCer, just to avoid it been stolen, or in any other way interfered . .more with? . .less by C4 on July 19 2012, 07:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Symbolic! The car symbolises the very essence of the new ANC - ostentatious, materialistic, pretentious, consumerist, removed, elitist, arrogant, avaricious, vain, self-absorbed, exhibitionist, obnoxious, rude, de-sensitised, selfish. It's a shame that one hundred . .more years of history has come down to be symbolised by a luxury German sedan that was built with European technology. It is a slap in the face of the thousands of people who sacrificed their lives for a peaceful, united and prosperous country. It also epitomises what the ANC in exile learnt from their host country, Zambia, in the 60s, 70s and 80s - the WaBenzi culture. It's a car that typifies the capitalist, not the person who claims that he/she is a member of the working class. It's hypocrisy. It's also a portent of things to come because it shows that the ANC has reached the end of the road. It has no more to offer but its own largesse and that it will struggle to stay in power except through the use of force, fear and dishonesty. . .less by Markza on July 19 2012, 08:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

199 years of selfless struggle David, please, get used to it, this is only the start. It is definitely going to get worse. If you were old enough in the eighties and nineties you would have read comment that this is normal to Africa and what you experience now is the rule and not . .more exception. But that required quite a lengthy stay is Africa . The likes of 300 years. Anything shorter would surely disqualify you to make this type of comment. So, if you became a resident of South Africa after 1900 wait a little longer. You make me sick. . .less by Pieter on July 19 2012, 08:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Wow!!! Nice Car This sure is a beautiful car. I hope it's owned by a black person. It's time by Terra on July 19 2012, 08:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

struggle car David, I know of ANC cadres who have at least 2 cars - a citigolf for driving around the townships and a hummer for the big city lights! Hypocrisy rules!!! by js on July 19 2012, 08:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

So in your little brain, the people struggled to be modest in Toyota Fortuners huh? We are not useless, driving around in Fortuners and shipping all the money to offshore markets even after 18 yrs of losses hoping 1 day the rand will trade at R15 to the USD again? We drive these Mercs hence the Germans are investing here heavily, if we . .more get into financial trouble they will BAIL us out like they are doing to your countries? . .less by Kom Net Met Dromedaries on July 19 2012, 08:52 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Well, well... I see that "Kom net met Dummies" has managed yet another inarticulate and frankly stupid post. How surprising... @Dot. Did you take a little crack at humour in your post? Or perhaps a little dabble at irony? I sincerely hope so, so I do... by Marc V on July 19 2012, 08:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Strugglemobile O! what noble ideals are here by greed o'erthrown by Olliver Ransome on July 19 2012, 08:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The ANC is disgusting What a farcehole. by Thabo on July 19 2012, 09:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

lyndall.bbb@gmail.com I don't think Nelson Mandela is with us in spirit anymore. The brief glimpses of him on TV yesterday and at the centenary flame celebration show a frozen expressionless face. And why would Clinton be more honest about Mandela than about Monica? . .more It was Clinton, after all, who forced through sub-prime loans on American banks. . .less by Lyndall Beddy on July 19 2012, 09:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Africa has always had bad governance Robert Calderisi writes that Black Africans don't expect honest governance because never in history have they ever had it. Actually, the brief period of colonial rule, less than 100 years in most states, was the only prosperous time. by Lyndall Beddy on July 19 2012, 09:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Where did it all go wrong? David Bullard, your whimsical irony about the fall from high ground by the once "can do no wrong" ANC is a treat to read with which I fully agree. A further irony is that most of this type of reportage nowadays originate from the very same people . .more - English speaking, DA supporters, liberal inclination - that previously thought the highest thing to inspire in life was to replace the NATS with the ANC. The simple fact of the matter it is not the ANC that have changed that went wrong. It is that their former supporters and promoters have finally lost their rose tinted spectacles. The ANC have always been a vile organisation, they just managed to hide it well because the very same people that now complain did not want to see the truth - they lived in denial. En nou sit ons almal met die gebakte pere. . .less by James Bell on July 19 2012, 09:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Where did it all Go So Wrong? @Pieter 8.13am. Are people not allowed to comment? What happened to freedom of speech (and all that it embraces)? If you did not agree with the article, that is fine (why you bothered to read it until the end, boggles my mind!!) but to to be so profane . .more with your closing comment ....."you make me sick".... is just so vulgar. Tells somewhat of the character behind the pen (key pad)!! . .less by Esme on July 19 2012, 09:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The mindless Merc Just to cap it all it appears from the picture that it is parked in a yellow hatched area,probably reserved for invalids! by RobinAfrica on July 19 2012, 09:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Strugglemobile I am surprised that Mr Bullard should write such a lengthy article about a vehicle that epitomises ANC cadres' not so selfless struggle to elbow their ways to get their snouts in the trough before all that is left is a crust of dry scum. by Sam Sterban on July 19 2012, 10:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Strugglemobile Everybody knows that ANC's liberation struggle was the most incompetent in the history of liberation movements. If it wasn't for liberal Afrikaners that lost their nerves and blinked ANC would not rule today. The only struggle ANC knows is struggle who . .more gets first to the feeding trough. . .less by Glass Shard on July 19 2012, 10:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@dot If the critics on dots weird postings becomes too loud all he does is reblog with .'fraudster' a typical ANC dodging tactic! by cynical is good on July 19 2012, 10:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Where did we go wrong? Well we started going wrong when well known politicians came with the slogan.I DID NOT JOIN THE STRUGGLE TO BE POOR !! You know who ?? Then we started carrying all the little wealth--or is it still little on our backs to show what the struggle has done . .more for us.Like most African counties post Uhuru we will also bankrupt this country.We are still lucky that we got a country with a lot of resources.When that happens then all hell will break loose as the people riot for service delivery. . .less by Thanyani on July 19 2012, 10:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

De Klerk in part He should have privatized the entire government. But he knew only law and thought whites were the scum of the earth and Mandela a saint. De Klerk worshiped Mandela or George Bizos ( the true speech writer behind all the Mandela iconic speeches ). by Nasdaq7 on July 19 2012, 11:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

A website I often visit is www.archive.org It is an entire database of the world's most important websites as they appeared from 1996 to 2007. Backed up every few days or weeks. So in that archive, you can see the information as it really was. So if . .more you want to check information, before the ANC destroys and alters it, check www.archive.org and do say a search for www.anc.org.za www.cosatu.org.za www.sacp.org.za and you can check everything the way it was say 15 years ago. There's some excellent stuff if you plan to do research or write articles for publication. Unaltered. . .less by Nasdaq on July 19 2012, 12:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

waBenzi More like 18 years of "selfish struggle" by the ANC's waBenzi and Volvocracy. by Argus Eye on July 19 2012, 12:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I guess Africans deserve a Quantum! I guess David Bullurd cannot stomach the fact that Africans in particular and blacks in general deserve a taste of finer things in life. To him we all should be driving cheap Korean or Japanese technology like Quantums and Hi-Aces! All because the German . .more engineered technology is not meant for those who do not come from the paler section of our society! . .less by Phumi Ntlabati on July 19 2012, 12:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Idiocracy Hahaha its parked on a loading bay too. Same attitude as the driver of the government Merc vehicle I just saw parked blocking an entire lane of Rivonia Road next to Sandton City for about an hour, causing havoc, only to come out with a bag of groceries . .more from Checkers, and off she went. . .less by Dre on July 19 2012, 12:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The ANC of Mandela, Sisulu and Tambo has gone trough snouting. What a loss, we are left with a bunch of clue-less tenderprenuers. What is even sadder is that the intellectual and moral center of the ANC is cowering in fear of these shameless criminals dressed in ANC colours. The Tutus, Vavis, Ramaphosas, Mbekis and . .more the silent majority have been assigned irrelevant bit parts in this sad unfolding story of decay and the demise of 'the struggle for liberation'. Today only about 3,000 delegates (tenderpreneurs-C**-premiers, mayors, and parliamentarians) get to choose, every five years, who becomes the leader of SA. With tears in my eyes I ask, how can we have allowed this to happen to us? What were they thinking to allow these undemocratic practices to be signed into law, at the negotiating table in Kempton Park? Is it too late to change? Education, reconciliation, people first, rainbow nation etc have become swear words in this current dispensation. Clearly we did not struggle for this! . .less by Veja on July 19 2012, 13:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Phumi Ntlabati Er, you seem to have missed the point of the article. Completely, utterly, entirely and without exception.... Ah well, whatever floats your sad little boat... by Marc V on July 19 2012, 13:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Phumi Ntlabati That is precisely the idea. The German cars cost more to maintain. The cheap Japanese technology as you call it is just as good if not better than German technology. Japanese have always focused on technology while the Germans focus more on brand / . .more reputation. I have never owned a German car, only Japanese or American cars. I place performance ahead of expensive tastes / luxurious tastes. I know the ANC places the emphasis on luxury at the expense of performance. . .less by Nasdaq7 on July 19 2012, 13:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Phumi Ntlabati Do I read you correctly, that it is okay for the ANC to advertise themselves with such luxury? The ANC needs to look at the little or nothing it has done and is doing for the poor. Can you Nelson Mandela approving of such arrogance. The ANC has lost its . .more way and you are part of deluded. . .less by THINKER on July 19 2012, 13:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

When in Arfrica... So that's where my hard earned legally extorted tax Rands end up. by Michael Moolman on July 19 2012, 13:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Me want sweetie The joke is on South Africa's taxpayers who are quite willing to a) submit to abusive ANC hegemony and b) even help enrich the ANC at their own (the taxpayers') peril. And that is really, really dumb. It is South African taxpayers are the real clowns . .more here. There is no natural law saying that you must pay tax and don't give me that democrazy excuse, please. . .less by Cap'n Haddock on July 19 2012, 13:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Veja "Today only about 3,000 delegates (tenderpreneurs-C**-premiers, mayors, and parliamentarians) get to choose, every five years, who becomes the leader of SA. With tears in my eyes I ask, how can we have allowed this to happen to us? What were . .more they thinking to allow these undemocratic practices to be signed into law, at the negotiating table in Kempton Park? Is it too late to change?" ---> But that is actually good. Do you want to know what kids are reading in the townships? Is it mathematics / science / business / arts / culture / medicine etc? It is books by Marx and Engels: how to be a good communist. to be able to one day join the ANC and get a fancy Mercedes Benz or BMW and to push everyone else aside. Their academic performance is LAST in the world. If we grant 40 million of our poorly educated people the chance to choose a president, who do you think will the majority choose? ....... Julius Malema. . .less by Nasdaq7 on July 19 2012, 13:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thanks, Nasdaq Re: archive.org. Check out the ANC in 1996. A huge cluster of these syphilitic palookas have since vrekked "after a long illness" I see... ha-ha-ha! Scum-filth. by Cap'n Haddock on July 19 2012, 13:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Loading Zone or Handicapped Bay? Loading more ill-gotten gains or insisting that stupidity is a handicap? This Wabenzi wins both ways. As usual, the B Team often knows the right noises to make, but falls down in application. We await the new Martin Luther King to arrive, simultaneously . .more with the second coming of Jesus. "I have a clue......".he will tell us, and we will all be saved. . .less by Guy Mullins on July 19 2012, 13:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Leave us alone! Does anyone ever remember a time where a white man ever successfully governed an African country that serves all its people well? Who the hell is the likes of Bullard to come here and tell us about good governence? Do these hypocrites hold a track-record . .more of how things are suppose to work or are they just shooting from the hip as always? Hands-off our leadership and our beloved progressive forces! . .less by Phumi Ntlabati on July 19 2012, 13:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Phumi Ntlabati Not only have you managed to completely miss the whole point of the article, you are compounding the error with your asinine postings as well. Oh, and by the way, "progressive" should be changed to read "regressive" in your posting. That, . .more at least, would be a breath of intellectual honesty.... . .less by Marc V on July 19 2012, 14:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ phumi you know phumi, you're right. why worry that we are the murder and rape capital of the world why worry that we buy a panado for R10 each beacause of countless middle men why worry that babies die in hospital why . .more worry that woman get raped while walking home, or a father gets gunned down for R20 why worry that a person like juju can get so obscenely rich with a report card like that why worry that our children are as thick as mud, but still more clever than the children to come. why worry that electricity and food prices are hitting the ceiling while sushi gets eating by tenderpreneurs using ladies as plates. why bother that 20 billion ie 20 000 000 000 .00 gets stolen ....A YEAR. and theres so much more not to worry about darling, your screws are way loose. but hay, no worries. . .less by Eddie on July 19 2012, 14:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I don't get it, why is it wrong tonail your colours to the mast... So what car does the leader of the official opposition drive? Can we honestly say not a single member of the opposition whether in government or within the paty structures drive a top-of-the-range mercedes? With respect you can't look at car's branding . .more and then decide it was bought with stolen money. The ANC just like the DA has all sorts of professionals working for them, so why wouldn't these professionals enjo the fruits of their labour. I would only see David's point when there's proof that the car came about as a result of government stolen money. What if the car is leased by the ANC? . .less by Sipho on July 19 2012, 15:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Selfless Struggle It would also appear that the car is parked illegally in a loading bay. Further sums it all up. by Teekay on July 19 2012, 15:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Once again.....for the retards It's not a matter of whether the car is driven by a black, brown, green or pink person. It's not a matter of whether the car is leased, borrowed, stolen or rented from Europcar. It's all about the ANC claiming to 100 years of selfless struggle in a . .more decal on a very expensive car. It's inappropriate........or are some of you simply too thick or too bling to get that message? It's a middle finger to those still awaiting delivery.....It sends a clear message "I've got mine....pity about you". Do you really not understand that? . .less by David Bullard on July 19 2012, 15:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Mercedes Somehow there is no proof that this vehicle belonged to a politician or even anyone associated with the ANC. All assumption and innuendo. Could have belonged to Sol Kerzner! What a load of the usual ranting of a frustrated Wit Baas. by Roy on July 19 2012, 15:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

why bother @ sipho.........I could try and explain why you are COMPLETELY missing the point but I simply cannot be bothered by voter on July 19 2012, 16:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@James Bell "...English speaking, DA supporters, liberal inclination - that previously thought the highest thing to inspire in life was to replace the NATS with the ANC." Still wrankles hey old fruitdrop. Best thing that ever happened to the NATS.. Despite all . .more the problems, I have yet to meet a black person who says things were better under your beloved fascists than they are now. As for most white middle-class people, nothing much has changed, do what's your gripe, apart from the fact that you dislike liberals? . .less by Jeff on July 19 2012, 16:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Sipho "So what car does the leader of the official opposition drive?" To answer your quetion; she drives a Toyota Prius, hardly in the R1m class. She is on record as saying she prefers this as it is relatively eco-friendly, as apposed to a big fancy German . .more gas-guzzler, . .less by Jeff on July 19 2012, 16:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Where did it all go so wrong? This reminds me of the Rolls Royce that was said to be regularly seen in Seapoint many years ago, that had a posh golden bumper-sticker which read "F--K THE POOR". So sad. by Johan Van Den Berg on July 19 2012, 16:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@David Bullkaak: U escaped the life of a Tuna Fisherman/maxitaxi driver back in Scottland Your daily rants won't help, i ask u again; whereelse would u go and live lavishly as a 'freelance' journo (since Mondlie fired u)? The reality is u r the TRASH that is stuck here and none of yr countrymen wil come to yr rescue no matter how loud u . .more SCREAM. This is our country and we wil do as we like with the 'taxpayers' money. Bloody Apartheid Scavenger! . .less by Mute Fool_Makoya on July 19 2012, 16:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Foolish Mute_Makoya Are you actually for real, or is it just that you're incurably stupid? I quote, "This is our country and we wil do as we like with the "taxpayers" money" (sic) I'm sure you will, you poor sad retard. Which is why we are heading . .more in the same unfortunate direction as our not so successful northern neighbour... . .less by Marc V on July 19 2012, 17:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I still don't get it. @Jeff - I take it she drives a Toyota Prius by choice, if she wanted a top-of-the-range mercedes benz she would afford it on her salary. You haven't attempted my second question, here I repeat it again: Can we honestly say not a single member of the . .more opposition whether in government or within the paty structures drive a top-of-the-range mercedes? As for "100 years of selfless struggle" slogan I think David is scrapping the bottom of the barrel here, I mean every claim in any advert is incredible. . .less by Sipho on July 19 2012, 17:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Alternative explanations Of course with the car having Free State number plates its quite possible that Plutarch has become a "Brand Ambassador" for the ANC...Or that Mercedes Benz "donated" a few cars for the 100 year anniversary like the donation they made when Mandela was . .more released... . .less by . on July 19 2012, 17:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Jeff Hi Jeff, I can always get a rise out of you (chuckle). I am amazed how often I am in full agreement with your posts on some issues, differ radically on others but with understanding of where you come from and respecting your viewpoints, and then . .more there are a few instances where you can be extremely obtuse. The English have a proverb: "Cutting your nose to spite your face". Your reply at 16:09 is such an instance. . .less by James Bell on July 19 2012, 17:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Detective Bullard I would just like to know one thing...did you perhaps investigate who owns this car?Could it be some hard working, loyal supporter of the ANC, who has made his money without any political favours (believe it or not there are Black people who . .more have)? What is wrong here is the constant speculation by white (and black people at times) that when they see a black person in a luxury vehicle, dressed in a fancy Armani suit and shoes that cost as much as a month's rent in a Claremont bachelor flat...and it's ''Oh he must be a politician/EE placement/BEE beneficiary/tenderpreneur etc". This clearly hasnt been helped by the reckless splurge of our politicians and those who actually fall under any of the abovementioned 'groups'. Take the time out to find facts before you judge.There is nothing wrong with a wealthy black person.That is no spit in the face of the poor.There is nothing wrong with me spoiling myself to a Merc E500 and paint it with ANC colours.It doesnt mean that I benefit from favours...they may just simply be beneficiaries of democracy.One they believe was given to them by the ANC. Just saying . .less by Sumbodi on July 19 2012, 18:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Me Well sunbodi you certainly cannot buy class.. by Me on July 19 2012, 18:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Sumbodi What you propose is preposterous...investigation would require work and would interfere with lunch... by . on July 19 2012, 18:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@James Bell "Cutting your nose to spite your face". Actually I don't think that is particularly aposite to my post. We are always going to differ on this particular point, just as we do on abortion. From now on I will desist from commenting on this matter in . .more your posts. I think we're both wasting time on it. . .less by Jeff on July 19 2012, 18:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

David Bullard - relpy to ''Once again.....for the retards'' So if I, a non-member of the ANC, decided to paint my Range Rover Sport (I do not own one, this is just to illustrate) with that same message...is the ANC (or am I) being inappropriate? Point is: That car may not belong to anything ANC. . .more Ordinary citizens painted their cars with ANC/DA/IFP etc slogans during the 2009 election campaign. Prove to us that this is indeed an ANC sponsored car or something of the sort,then your writing will hold water.Without those facts, you're just barking like a poodle. . .less by Sumbodi on July 19 2012, 19:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

by . on July 19 2012, 18:33 Fakster. by . on July 19 2012, 20:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

fANCy that nice car These black okes should not drive fancy cars , bras. by Jannie on July 19 2012, 20:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

by . on July 19 2012, 18:33 Fakester by . on July 19 2012, 20:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Dot @Bullfinch @Sumbodi @me @cetera CRIME SCENE & PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE This article is a "CRIME SCENE" & "EVIDENCE" & "WITNESS REPORT". Please show some respect, do your citizenly duty, & report the crime to the SAPS, hand over all the evidence, request a Docket . .more Number, & insist on being told the outcome, viz:- FIRSTLY - an identifiable make, model, livery & registration numbered MERC E500 has been recorded & witnessed as being illegally parked & left unattended to boot. From this open & shut case, an owner/driver can be traced to be given the ticket. That person & any organisation owner of the vehicle can additionally be nemed & shamed. Unless the car was stolen & dumped in the basement where it was photographed (which in itself doesn't excuse the illegal parking - but at least explains it). SECONDLY - if the car is indeed an abandoned stolen car, then who is the owner & have they reported it stolen ? Again the photographic evidence plays its part. THIRDLY, if the car is stolen & ownership(?) claimed by the ANCpf, then a lack of car theft report might welll be appropriate (they were stealing them during the war years & bloggers elsewhere on POLITICSWEB write that cde PAPI still operates out of LUTHULI HOUSE). FINALLY, ther ANCpf fingerprints all over this particular high-end motor vehicle are totally appropriate. Equal to a McDonalds Spearburger. Zizo ! . .less by John Austin on July 19 2012, 20:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Phumi, Sipho, Camel-humper How do you reconcile an avowed primary concern for the upliftment of the poor from their poverty (being the ANC's and the SACP's fundamental mantra) with ostentatious, vulgar displays of extreme individual wealth? Whilst Bullard made no reference to race, . .more you ANC apologists on this post assume the owner is a black person, and attribute Bullard's comment as jealousy of any evidence of black "achievement". Such is the weight of the chip on your racist shoulders that you immediately see it as a black-white issue, without even noticing the egregious hypocricy of one who professes to struggle "selflessly" for the upliftment of the poor, to divert so much of the wherewithal to his / her own glorification. MAYBE some whites and/or DA members DO drive Bentleys, but they do not hypocritically claim to be sacrificing all own-comfort in selfless favour of the poor. Get it? Your views reveal that the ANC is not about sharing equally with the poor, that commu-socilaism is merely a temporary sham. What you want even more is to create a VISIBLE presence of super-wealthy blacks. To ameliorate nagging doubts about self worth? Never mind this particular Merc, how do you reconcile the "communist" Blade's R2+m worth of luxury cars, with no money for school books? . .less by Questor on July 19 2012, 20:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Sumbodi You are right but also utterly unrealistic. The greed and crass materialism of the ANC and their supporters, the endless opportunities created by AA and BBBEE and demographic representativity, the constant whinging about the rich whites and the . .more poor blacks, cadre deployment and the ineptocracy that it created, have created the justifiable perception that all rich/successful blacks have come into their wealth and position not on merit but due to politcal connections, nepotism, graft and tenderpreneuring. I accept the fact that there must be smart and hardworking and honest blacks but we never hear from them. How are we to know? They never speak up against the ANC way of doing things or if they do it must be in whispers as we never hear of it. Incidentally AA in the USA got a bad name amongst blacks precisely for the reasons you mention namely that even if a black person achieves success on merit it was automatically assumed he got there through AA. It degraded all deserving blacks and ended up being counter productive. I also wonder why you take such a hurt stance, demanding that the facts must first be determined, but no blacks voices were raised when Juju sang "Kill the Boers they are rapists or one settler one bullit". Then it was OK to paint Boers as rapist and promote their killing even the woman and little babies too. . .less by James Bell on July 19 2012, 20:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@John Austin 1-The onus is on the author...he made the claims, he noticed the car, he took the photograph, he posted it to online social media... 2-Regarding your illegal parking claim, If it was in a private garage (as most shopping malls are) and not a . .more public road there may be no public offense. Again only the author knows if it was private property or a public thoroughfare. 3-Your claims about it being a high-end car are absurd, its only an E class... . .less by . on July 19 2012, 20:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@James Bell Yoh! I really agree with you on this one. Well said. by Jeff on July 19 2012, 21:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

That darn Mercedes Wow David, this Mecedes picture of yours has unleashed some fiery comments! by Wizard on July 19 2012, 21:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Spelling mistake apology Mercedes not Mecedes. by Wizard on July 19 2012, 21:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Shame on you David One needs a powerful and powerful car to get from tender briefings in Limpopo and Mpumalanga to Sandton. Further, one really does struggle to get the ashtrays out without doing serious damage to one's nails. You just cannot get good servants . .more these days, unless you employ Zimbabweans. And why shouldn't we support German manufacturers? They need it to prop up the Euro (like the money SA sent to the IMF) . .less by Selfless Struggler on July 19 2012, 21:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Dot-the-absurd... ...."its only an E class" you say. I wonder what you drive, Dot ? I drive a not very new Peugeot 206 diesel so, for me it IS high end. I suspect for the average ANCpf voter it rates considerably higher end than a two donkey scotch cart, . .more also. I see the going price for an E500 Cabriolet is around £55k (or R700k). so BULLFINCH's R1m sounds to be both about right & "high-end" in my book. The 2009 TELEGRAPH review of this/similar model the E500 Coupe quotes much the same price & compares it to the following marques & prices:- MERC E500 Coupe - £50k to £55k depending on extras (R700k); JAGUAR XK - circa £66k (R860k); AUDI A5 V8 - circa £40k (R520k); VW PASSAT CC - £21k (R270k). Re: ILLEGAL PARKING your point is specious - the parking is still illegal (& I think you will find traffic Act law can & does operate on private property for public purpose). Who do you advocate for Dot - the law or the transgressor ? Re:THE ONUS ON THE AUTHOR part of your comment is wrongly directed at me, Dot. You scared of Bullfinch, Dot ? Chikurubi-Low-End-Car-Owner . .less by John Austin on July 19 2012, 22:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Where ever... I have it on good authority that David actually applied the decals as an elaborate stage setting to support his article. Furthermore it has been suggested that the vehicle actually belongs to Irvin Jim - - a Company car for being such a good . .more little unionist - - a gift from NAAMSA? Thank you Irvin for permitting it to be used for illustrative purposes. I have it on even better authority that the the wording should have read "Struggle less, Self" - - a personal reminder to the owner that it's pay-back time. . .less by VERITAS on July 19 2012, 22:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@John The onus on the author means Bullard. Yes (not that it matters) my vehicle is new and of greater value than an E-class.... by . on July 19 2012, 23:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Small P**** syndrome This owner must have a particularly small P**** - perhaps he has to ruffle his pubes to see which one stands up ..... This car aint gonna make any difference .... by Green Room on July 19 2012, 23:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ sumbodi "culd it be some hard working, loyal supporter of the ANC, who has made his money without any political favours?" ..... Name some.......? by croix on July 19 2012, 23:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

by Phumi Ntlabati on July 19 2012, 12:44 The Germans also lost 2 world wars ..... just checking by Green Room on July 19 2012, 23:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

we're being simplistic here.... @Questor - you're just rambling on and on. There's nothing to reconcile here, that car is a private property, the fact that it carries an ANC branding is a mute point. It could easily belong to the ANC which is a private organisation, the ANC just like . .more the DA do not claim that they'll use their organisational funds to uplift communities. They are all contesting to get hold of the public purse with the promise of making people's lives better. I see a lot of Ferraris, Porsche Cayennes, Lamborginis passing me by in my old Opel every Sunday, should I therefore irrationally conclude those people a beneficiaries of apartheid economics, therefore their cars should be redistributed. Or should I check how much each family pays Mary the nanny C** house cleaner? . .less by Sipho on July 20 2012, 09:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sipho I didn't think you would be able to explain the contradictions of Blade's luxury cars and his employer's lack of funds to provide schoolbooks. There is nothing "mute" about the message on that superMerc. Might you perhaps mean "moot"? Explain . .more your weasel-words, here. When you see a supercar swanking on a Sunday, blaring out a message that it's part of a programme of selfless sacrifice, do flag the driver down and let him/ her know you see through their hypocrisy. What stuns me is that ANC you posters above see absolutely nothing wrong with the acquisition by politicians of extreme wealth, and the ostentatious display of its trappings. . .less by Questor on July 20 2012, 10:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Questor The acquisition by politicians of wealth, and the ostentatious display of its trappings is not a unique ANC phenomenon, the NP were equally as good at it with their farms, mercs, planes and other benefits. An E class Mercedes with decals on it . .more hardly qualifies as an example of 'extreme wealth' and it still remains to be proven if it was obtained in an underhand way. All could be above board. . .less by . on July 20 2012, 11:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

your hypocricy is better than mine, I supposed @Questor - you're allowing your hatred and fear to cloud your thinking. There's nothing ANC about what I said. The point is you can't look at a car and then conclude that it's purchase price should have been used to uplift a community. As for Blade's . .more luxury car, me thinks you're throwing a low punch here, there are budgets in government which includes salaries and perks for your favourite politicians as well, so what each politician does with their allocation is entirely up to them. So textbooks have nothing to do with government administration budget. Therefore your argument makes sense at exclusive dinner tables among close friends. Just as David is hypocritical in his article, so is the ANC and they both get their share supporters. Just imagine if David saw the driver of the said vehicle smoking a Cohiba... . .less by Sipho on July 20 2012, 11:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sipho 'n Dot David has never professed selfless sacrifice for the downtrodden, so you can't lable him a hypocrite. The NP were bad, that's why we cheered their retirement from the game. Only to find the next bunch is a whole lot worse. Not hatred or fear, . .more Sipho, just profound disappointment. Anyway, I'll leave it to James Bell to defend the NP against charges of corruption. . .less by Questor on July 20 2012, 11:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Here's an interesting article http://www.news24.com/MyNews24/How-Mandela-sold-out-blacks-20120717 Listen to this one comment ( whether you agree or not): "The old terrorist Mandela will croak soon... and so will South Africa soon after! Mandela is an . .more artificial feel-good creation of the '69 pot-smoking, draft-dodging, ‘Make Love Not War‘ white left-wing nutcase student generation in America and the 68 anti-authoritarian, closet-commie punch-drunk existentialist post-WWII generation in Europe. His death will bring everything back down to Earth again because his life (his mythical god-like status) is just another Western lala-land artificiality doomed to die disgracefully. Once this popular-culture/MSM/Hollywood creation has croaked, South Africa will return to its Stone Aged roots. Newton’s Second Law of Momentum states that any body in motion will return to its original state of rest once the external force which set it in motion ceases to exert its power. And this is exactly what will happen in South Africa once the secular-humanist god-man Mandela joins the Choir Eternal... no more lala-land multi-culti paradise on earth…… just brutal African reality! Simply Africanization/indigenization ala Robert Mugarbage’s Zimboonia." . .less by Nasdaq on July 20 2012, 12:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Questor I never labelled Bullard a hypocrite, in fact I believe exposing hypocrisy rather than having a racial agenda is his raison d'être. His mission would be more successful if he researched his articles a bit more thoroughly instead of shooting from the hip . .more with unconnected and unrelated suspicions...his suspicions may be correct, but they are at present unfounded...the same could be claimed about the allegations of racism against him...but he seems to have used that as a marketing tool as his cries of innocence were drowned out by the baying mob...led by his "friends" in the media.... . .less by . on July 20 2012, 12:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The struggle mobile I wonder if it's paid for? by lyn on July 20 2012, 13:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Did no one else notice the parking space ? Everyone seems so caught up with the vehicle and branding, that the gross contempt which has become standard issue to this group of individuals, blatantly evident by where he/she felt it suitable to park, has been missed - in a loading bay or disabled . .more parking.!! . .less by theconsumerwatchdog on July 20 2012, 13:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@theconsumerwatchdog What makes you sure they don't have a disabled sticker? or permission to park or loasd/unload there by Mall Management? Its all speculation at present, the photo tells a part of the story, not the whole story... by . on July 20 2012, 13:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

theconsumerwatchdog Disabled parking stickers are generally displayed on both front and rear windscreens - clearly no sticker on the rear window. Loading bays are generally for loading vehicles, such as trucks not Mercedes convertibles. I feel its pretty safe to complete . .more this picture based on what is visible and evident.! . .less by theconsumerwatchdog on July 20 2012, 13:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Dot Quick question Dot old fellow. If someone points a firearm at you do you ask them to take a shot first in order to satisfy yourself that it is, indeed a gun. Or do you perhaps concede that on the balance of probability, all evidence points to the . .more fact that it is, in fact, a firearm? . .less by Marc V on July 20 2012, 13:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Marc V Situational awareness would dictate to not allow yourself to get in that position in the first place, but when placed in that position I would proceed on the basis the gun is real and will be used against me. The fallacy of your argument is . .more that no-one is denying the photograph is not real, or claiming the decals were photo shopped, or that corruption does not take place within the ANC. My argument is that possession of an E-class Merc with ANC "unselfish struggle" stickers in a parking space in a garage is just that...and without more information, a lot of the claims and suspicions are just smear. If it had been "unselfish struggle" on a Camry would it have been better? If it had been "unselfish struggle" on an Aston-Martin would it have been worse? If the car owner had used a taxi to get to the parking mall taken the money and plonked it in a Swiss banking account would it matter? We do not know the source of the money, whether legitimate or not. I wonder what will be stated in the comments section if the car turns out to be owned by a white Afrikaans free state lawyer, share trader and farmer who is also an enthusiastic ANC member? Plutarch were art thou? . .less by . on July 20 2012, 13:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Disagreeing with David doesn't equal defending the ANC.... @Questor - That's exactly my point. What is David's view on selfless sacrifice for the downtrodden? The only view I'm getting is that David doesn't give a hoot about the downtrodden until he sees an E Class mercedes with an ANC campaign line. If this is . .more not hypocricy why would David only take the cudgel on behalf of the downtrodden only when he sees an expensive mobile advert by the ANC. Those ANC stickers could have been on a shack, RDP house, Sandhurst House, cessna, Boeing 747, Cruiser liner...Only personal prejudice will determine what conclusion you arrive at. . .less by Sipho on July 20 2012, 14:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sipho mara why Sipho are you saying i must not buy a million rand car, even though i can afford it, i must go buy textbooks? come my chief i expect better reason from people who have access to PCs FYI i'm not into tenders, i'm not Government . .more employee, i'm just a normal young black male who is doing his thing and i'm gratefull for Policies of ANC and i don't see a problem displaying their colours on my car . .less by former Cadre on July 20 2012, 14:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dot at 12:22 Not you, but Sipho did (at 11:07). I was (at 11:39) lazily trying to flush out two dodos with one stone. But your, dot's, attempt to spin this particular expose of Bullards has been pretty desperate, and the distractions you try to use look thinner . .more than threadbare. Is it possible that the only participant in this polemic who has proved unable to connect the dots is dot herself? . .less by Questor on July 20 2012, 14:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Dot I believe what David Bullard is railing against here is the sheer crassness of the amply bedecked vehicle and what it implies. As he says, it is not too far removed from a gigantic "up yours" to the great unwashed, or downtrodden, or the abject . .more subjects of a King who has long forgotten them. Take your pick. We can argue "possibles" all day, it's a bit like a circular reference in Excel, no matter how much you fiddle, you'll end up going nowhere. However, on the balance of "probabilities", my money is on the car belonging to some fatcat ANC toady who doesn't give a sh*t about those less connected than him / herself. Nor does said individual seem to care too much about where he / she parks the damn thing either... . .less by Marc V on July 20 2012, 15:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Jeff, @Questor Jeff the pleasure is all mine. Questor. Dot is fond of rolling out the argument that whatever the ANC fails in it also happenes in other countries (so it's OK) but usually it also happened under Apartheid (so it is justified, a sort of . .more retribution really like discrimination is bad but justified discrimination is good, REALLY GOOD if it is aimed against the whites). Much is made of the fact that Apartheid was declared a crime against humanityby the UN Nobody ever asks how this came about. Hint: The USA (and the rest) were in an ideological death struggle during the 1980's with the Soviet Union and the battleground was often at the UN. To get the votes of the recently de-colonised states in Africa both the USA and the USSR agreed to sacrifice the white in the RSA to black nationalism and to make it appear all legal and above board a resolution was passed that declared Apartheid a crime. As you all know criminals have no rights (except of course in Seffrica) and therefor do not deserve to get a fair hearing in the press, found guilty by world opinion and can be punished. This legalised the terror campaign by the ANC, transforming it into a glorious struggle, which eventually ended in the NATS handing the country to the ANC on a plate. . .less by James Bell on July 20 2012, 15:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Get your R1m Benz and shutup about the downtrodden.... @former Cadre - I expect you to read and understand first before you start punching the computer keys. I never mentioned you buying textbooks instead of a mercedes benz. Where did you get that from - texbooks were brought into this conversation by your . .more fellow hypocrits. It's not the responsiblity of the ANC to buy textbooks nor is it a responsibilty of the DA, former Cadre, COPE, it is the responsibility of the government. Go ahead former Cadre get your R1m Mercedes and put whatever stickers you like and I won't judge you. . .less by Sipho on July 20 2012, 15:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Marc V So if Bullard is now the self-appointed arbitrator of taste and seeks to expose sheer crassness in all its forms it must be a new endeavour as he seemed quite fond of expensive motor vehicles in the past when Bantu Education was running rampant and lack . .more of textbooks was a given.... If he had exposed the sheer crassness of advertising the ANC on a mid-range E-class Merc rather than an E500 AMG or S-class AMG then his article may have made more sense.... I suppose the bare bones E500 is a starter vehicle for tenderpreneur low level aspirations...the same way Quality Street in tins was popular with the UK masses who could not afford high end expensive chocolates... . .less by . on July 20 2012, 15:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Questor 2 What I have never been able to figure out is how to reconcile the following: 1. 100 years ago blacks outnumbered whites approx 3 to 1. 2 Sixty years ago blacks outnumber whites about 4 to 1. 3. Today blacks outnumber whites . .more approx 7 to 1. If we accept as correct the claims by the Anti-NATS that blacks were oppressed, they were not allowed access to the economy, the had no or inferior education, housing and medical care, how come their numbers almost rebled while those of whites remained static? Also, if blacks were so bad off, who then built all the infra structure (roads, dams, universities, hospitals, schools etc) and who paid for it. And why did whites build all these things which they did not need for themselves? I can not prove it, but even if the UP won the 1948 and subsequent elections whites would still have been sacrificed on the altar of expediency by the big powers, the qualified vote or whatever the UP's policy would have been at the time would also have been declared a crime (or maybe just a misdemeanor by the Brits) against humanity and South Africa would have been handed over to the SACP in 1980 as Zimbabwe was to ZANUpf. Zim never had apartheid, English was the official language and it was a loyal British colony, yet it's white rule was thrown to the ZANUpf wolves by the British. Same for Kenya. . .less by James Bell on July 20 2012, 15:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@James Bell No what I am fond of is perspective....I'm also quite partial to facts....but will consume opinion based on reasonable assumptions....but life is like a box of choocolates you don't know what you will get until you open the box, or in this case . .more tin...which contains no chocolates but lots of space in which to place some facts... . .less by . on July 20 2012, 15:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@James Bell Figuring Out Immigration and emigration- illegal, legal and unstated plus dodgy statistics.... by . on July 20 2012, 15:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

CHECK IT OUT WONDERING why the car infront of the jammie is also a FS plated jammie..........so.....was Davido actually dropping off his launders or is just winding you lot up.... cheers, Inspector Bongi Cluezoe by What a crok of POO on July 20 2012, 15:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@What a crok of POO Well if he lied about dropping off his laundry, what else would he lie about? by . on July 20 2012, 15:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Wit Baas The most amazing part of all of this is the immediate jumping to conclusions and the outpouring of righteous indignation from most responders. All based on the fact that an expensive car was seen bedecked with ANC slogans. The Wit Baas mentality is . .more obviously alive and well. How dare the ( I will leave out the usual word ) have a decent car, house or job? They are all supposed to be garden boys. What happened to the good old days when the worst white man was better than the best black. Bring back the Dutchmen and reinstate apartheid. Put them back in their place. HA HA. Get used to it. There is a new reality. Hope that the ANC stays in control for a very long time. They allow you to continue in your old racist privileged ways. . .less by Roy on July 20 2012, 15:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

"Selflessness" and Hypocrisy @James Bell - I'm not going to be lured off-topic again by you pulling out your favourite soap-box @Roy, and other Johnny-come-Latelies You too, introduce RACE as if the topic is about whites resenting black riches. Bullard never mentioned race. . .more The issue of this article (and focused comment) is the Hypocrisy of ANC claims of a 100 years of selfless struggle. ANC does not mean black, it means a totally corrupted party which has fallen to wasting the spoils of power. Get over your racist knee-jerk reaction to any criticism of the ANC . .less by Questor on July 20 2012, 16:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Dot-the-dirty.... ....don't think I didn't notice your low blow aimed below the BULLFINCH's ash tray. Really, drawing attention to BULLFINCH's poverty-stricken childhood where his folks could only afford QUALITY STREET & which he & his siblings had to find . .more sneaky ways of stealing them to get their share, is WAY off-topic ^ out of context with the thrust of his article (not to mention your snide attempt at sullying his otherwise good character, name & repute). Next, you'll have us believe his cigars are some sort of cheap fake too (if not simply photoshop image trickerey). Your answer to @MarcV about situation awarenes was totally inappropriate. So inappropriate, even you Dot omitted to pose the obvious reposte that the first response to such a possible armed assailant situation would be to establish beyond doubt that - a. it was not April 1st, and if not that b. it was not RAG week, and if it was not that c. the gun was real firearm & not a replica, and that d. the gun was loaded with real ammunition, and with all the above checks & balances qualifying the "dot-test" burden of "proof". Jeez, you can be so shallow, when it suits you, Dot. Harrrimmmphh, Grumpy-Old-Chikurubi-Git :( . .less by John Austin on July 20 2012, 18:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ James Bell You make a valid point, but you miss quite a number of things. I am a black, not politically connected, educated, hardworking young man. My network of friends and acquantances consists of 150+ black people. Give or take, 100 of them are varsity . .more graduates who work in different fields and are not politically connected. There are some that are what we call 'tenderites' etc. I am one of hundreds of thousands of black people in that very situation.I do not think you hang around enough black people to know exactly what is going on in the minds of those of us who work hard for our hard earned 'luxuries'.Just as I do not hang around enough whites to deduce that the majority of whites are racist. To get to your point, contrary to what you may believe, many of us speak up against the ANC. Read your daily's opinions sections and you will see.Have we made much of an impact?NO! That I will give you.Impact vs speaking out.We have thus far lost the battle in making an impact,but believe me we are making headways.Its just not televised. Now going back to these assumptions.Would it be fair to say all whites are racists, based purely on what we read here on these blogs coming from whities, and what we experience everyday?Or would you rather I got to know you first before I label you anything?That is where the hurt comes from my friend . .less by Sumbodi on July 20 2012, 18:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Croix Next time you're in Cape Town, or in Johannesburg or East London. Give me a shout. My e-mail address is playakwt@gmail.com P.S. I am one of them. by Sumbodi on July 20 2012, 18:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ James Bell 2 Evidence is critical. Everyday I read a newspaper, and there is an apology from the editor on a story where they got the facts wrong.I cannot accuse you of wrongdoing or inappropriate behaviour without evidence. Like I said, I understand where . .more David comes from because our politicians and tenderites splurge.It is therefore very easy to assume what it is that he is assuming.David himself would be the first to cry foul if anything was directed at him with no supporting evidence, and that is what he has always preached in his writings..."FACTUAL REPORTING".That is why he hates the Sunday Times, and that is why the majority of people here dont like that paper either.It lost integrity because it doesnt report factually.What applies to one,must apply to all. It was reported that David Bullard is a racist.He fought tooth and nail to prove that this was NOT A FACT!!!!He must practice the same principle.And so should everyone else here. Pipe dream I know . .less by Sumbodi on July 20 2012, 19:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Marc V That is exactly what David Bullard has created - An article full of 'possibilities'. We now spend our days arguing 'possibilities'while he relaxes cigar in one hand and Scotch in the other laughing and saying 'Look at these fools, Im getting paid for . .more these hits'. The man has created a story, that could possibly be true,and we all agree would be a tragic realisation of the selfishness of our politicians and those close to them.On the other hand,by not producing clear and factual writing,he has unleashed the damning state of hypocrisy of white society in our country...and that is...TRUTH ONLY MATTERS WHEN IT SUITES THEM!!! Damn you David Bullard! . .less by Sumbodi on July 20 2012, 19:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Croix - Here's some homework Google this man: Sisa Ngebulana by Sumbodi on July 20 2012, 19:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Sumbodi- homework done... http://mg.co.za/article/2011-08-19-more-dodgy-deals-in-department-of-public-works/ by . on July 20 2012, 20:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Somebody Who can deny that most whites are racists? Equally, I have yet to meet (or observe through his writings) a black for whom race is not a big issue. As some old sage wagered with total confidence, 'Show me a person who has experienced 2 weeks of life on . .more the South African streets, who claims to be free of racism, and I shall show you a liar, or at least, prove that claimant to be mistaken'. Point is, racism is not a binary condition (like pregnancy e.g.), but a condition that spans a wide range from Horribly Racist to Barely Afflicted. It is as you found quite easy to divine the race of contributors to the debates on this site; if you tried to judge objectively, you would find submissions from both black and white revealing undeniable evidence of racial prejudice and cross-racial antipathy. Resolve to live with the "normal" levels of racism, and then fight to embarrass in to silent reflection the percentage of both white and black posters who deliberately set about inflaming emotions of antagonism across the racial divide. And don't generalise by extrapolation! (You cannot condemn the entire white society as hypocrites, because of your interpretation of the significance of what one of their numbers, Dave Bullard, wrote). . .less by Questor on July 20 2012, 20:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANC sycophants Reading through some of the comments which try to ( either deliberately or stupidly) miss the point of irony in the article, makes me realise, " there is none so blind as those that choose not to see" by Kay on July 20 2012, 21:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

"Apartheid era" files are classified to hide white non-racism If whites are so racist - why did 70 percent of them support De Klerk in his referendum to hand over power when De Klerk told them the COMMUNIST threat was over? Turns out De Kllerk was wrong! Which is why the "apartheid era" state files have . .more been classified - to hide that the whites were fighting COMMUNISM not blacks! . .less by Lyndall Beddy on July 21 2012, 08:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Apartheid Apologists Having read all the comments and the article its clear that people see what they want to see and claim irony as a justification for their omissions, errors and lack of substance when making a point. They should do the work to substantiate their claims if . .more they want their words to have an aura of credibility [and respectability]. . .less by . on July 21 2012, 10:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Questor Funny how you try to label me as racist. Obviously you have difficulty understanding the points that I made. Perhaps your brain is so distorted that simple English is beyond you. by Roy on July 21 2012, 18:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Africa was only profitable and well governed under the French and British. If you don't believe me -check the figures on the internet. Both the British and French handed over PROFITABLE exporting colonies exporting farm products. South America picked up those markets as Africa collapsed under black . .more goverments. Or you can read the figures in the book "The Trouble With Africa" by Robert Calderisi. . .less by Lyndall Beddy on July 22 2012, 12:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANC Strugglemobile I saw this pic through Facebook and reached very similar conclusions to Bullard's. I once saw a white Rolls Royce in Sandton in the 90's displaying a bumper sticker proclaiming: F*** THE POOR. Now while this may be just a tad insensitive, unlike . .more the ANC's little flagship of shame - at least it's honest... . .less by Paul Murray on July 22 2012, 20:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Sumbodi Actually, if you read my initial response carefully, you will see that I refer to the balance of “Probabilities”, given the available information. While David may, or may not, have intended to create mischief for mischiefs sake, it is . .more difficult not to draw the obvious conclusions from viewing the photograph. (Dot’s philosophical protests notwithstanding) Here’s a hint, if you ever lie awake wondering why so many folk are quick on the draw where the ANC is concerned, you need look no further than the farcical release of Shabir Shaik on “Medical” grounds. The brutal truth is, that with blatantly up-yours decisions such as this, it is hard not to think the worst of a party who hand out reasons to mistrust them like KFC at a rally. . .less by Marc V on July 23 2012, 11:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

DISABLED Is it not called "anarchy" when a society becomes lawless ? What a sure sign of total disregard for the law and zero social consciousness If im wrong and the driver IS a DISABLED PERSON _I say sorry. If this is your way to say thank for . .more your social grant for DISABED PERSONS I say sorry. . .less by Jannie Pretorius on July 24 2012, 10:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

DISABILITY-and-money... .....HANNIE PRETORIUS has a point, actually. The ZIM WarVets Disability fund was looted silly by the ZANU cadres, leading to an enquiry. One very high ranking was paid out eye-watering money for a medically certified (by a ZANU dr) . .more disability status of 95% - hence the eye-watering sum in question. No he wasn't on permanent life support, or even wheel chair bound, nor walked with a limp, nor missing pieces of his body. He did have poor eyesight it seems.... but not so poor as to prevent him making a fraudulent claim for war disability..... nor did it seem to encumber him in his full-time duties as the (now late) Head of Zimbabwe's CIO. In short, JANNIE, the pictured "selfless ANCpf struggle-mobile" could well be the sole means of transport of some cadre disabled in the call of duty (stealing eClass Benzes ?). Chikurubi-Car-Thefts . .less by John Austin on July 24 2012, 11:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Quite amusing I must say that I get a chuckle out of reading all the comments; some good, some bad, and a pity some are hostile. There are many many reasons things have sadly gone wrong in ZA, so I won't get into that. But I would like to say that as far as the . .more Mercedes is concerned, the ANC "het goed van die baas geleer". The Mercedes was the status symbol of most of the pre-Rainbow government supporters. All the who's who and some not so who, drove one. Why, I even knew a Nat CEO who especially had "Outomaties" put on his Merc, to advertise his cultural affiliations. So go figure! . .less by Out of Africa on July 26 2012, 03:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Registered owner Knowing who the owner of the vehicle would add a much needed dimension. Come on David - you've done the easy fun part, now for the value add? by Peter on August 01 2012, 10:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Name
Subject
Comment